Burlington-based social network Ello made several announcements Thursday, including that it secured an additional $5 million in funding, and that the unveiling of mobile apps is right around the corner.

Ello also released a new version of Ello, called Beta V.2, which includes full-screen browsing and navigation, expanded search, and drag-and-drop editing.

"Ello Beta V2 completely redefines the social network experience, with full screen image posting & browsing, and an interface that acts and feels more like an app than a web site," said Ello CEO Paul Budnitz in statement.

Budnitz also told the Free Press Thursday that mobile apps will be released in the near future, and said his team is using prototypes of the apps around the office.

"An app will be out between now and the end of the spring," Budnitz said. "I can't give you an exact date, but basically it's imminent."

Budnitz said he expects use of Ello to increase once apps are rolled out, noting the overwhelming majority of social media users are also mobile users.

The latest $5 million in financing, which was backed by the Foundry Group, Techstars Ventures, and Shelburne-based FreshTracks Capital, brings the total funding raised by Ello to $11 million in the past six months.

Budnitz said all of the additional funding is going toward employees and hires. "All of it is going toward people, all of it," he said. "We want to be able to take our time and grow it into the network we want it to be. It just basically allows us to hire more people in Burlington and in our Colorado office."

Budnitz said he anticipates Ello leaving beta sometime this summer, as it works on developing additional features and enhancements. Ello also said Thursday that changes in Ello V.2 set the stage for the rollout of additional features, including private messaging, private groups, and loves.

Ello bills itself as different from other social networks because it does not collect user information or sell advertising. Budnitz has previously said users will be able to customize their use of it with low-cost apps, which will ultimately make Ello profitable.

"I am particularly excited that this new funding provides Ello the resources needed to deliver beautiful mobile apps to the community this spring, which will significantly improve the user experience and drive continued engagement on the Ello platform," said Lee Bouyea, the managing director at FreshTracks capital.